Weekend Word: Right Thinking
June 1st, 2009 by Todd JohnsonPhil 4:8-9 ESV “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. 9 What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you. ”
In our postmodern world many people seek freedom from anxiety and peace of mind by trying to empty their minds.
Paul teaches that true peace can be ours ONLY when our minds are properly filled.
We are pointed to the store from which we can furnish our minds; and a minds properly furnished will leave little room for anxiety-producing, peace-disrupting and joy destroying thoughts.
So think on these things…
- Whatever is true
- Whatever is honorable
- Whatever is just
- Whatever is pure
- Whatever is lovely
- Whatever is commendable
- If it is excellent & worthy of praise.. go for it!
Paul’s command calls for a life of conscious negation.
Thinking as we ought to demands the discipline of refusal.
Oswald Chambers - “To think is an effort; to think RIGHTLY is a GREAT EFFORT; and to think AS A CHRISTIAN OUGHT TO THINK is the GREATEST EFFORT of a human soul.”
Thus..
May the mind of Christ my Savior
Live in me from day to day,
By His love and power controlling,
All I do and all I say.
I love the picture of the store to furnish the room of our mind — the paintings, the coaches, the chairs, end tables and lamps even the carpet all painted or covered or made with true, honorable, just, pure, lovely commendable, excellent and praise worthy thoughts. It is a wonderful, peaceful, joyful place to dwell. Keep me there, Oh Lord my God, who can guard my heart and mind in Christ Jesus.